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Warhammer Crime
The King Of The Spoil
A Warhammer Crime Novel
The death of a powerful crime lord sends the city careening into a full-blown street war, and an info-broker seeks the truth in an attempt to hold fragile gang alliances together.
READ IT BECAUSE
It’s a chaotic peek into the seedy underbelly of Varangantua, a sprawling world where life is cheap – and a display of how even a tyrant can be better than a power vacuum...
THE STORY
Within the vast sprawl of Varangantua lies the Spoil. It is a broken crossroads, forsaken by the Lex, abandoned by the city’s uncaring masters, where the only choice is a slow death in the manufactories, or a quick one on the street. And it is in turmoil.
Written by Jonathan D Beer.
The death of a powerful crime lord sends the city careening into a full-blown street war, and an info-broker seeks the truth in an attempt to hold fragile gang alliances together.
READ IT BECAUSE
It’s a chaotic peek into the seedy underbelly of Varangantua, a sprawling world where life is cheap – and a display of how even a tyrant can be better than a power vacuum...
THE STORY
Within the vast sprawl of Varangantua lies the Spoil. It is a broken crossroads, forsaken by the Lex, abandoned by the city’s uncaring masters, where the only choice is a slow death in the manufactories, or a quick one on the street. And it is in turmoil.
Written by Jonathan D Beer.
392 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2023
12 people are currently reading
176 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan D. Beer
12 books15 followersJonathan D. Beer is a science fiction and alternative history writer, whose stories for Black Library include the novels THE KING OF THE SPOIL and DOMINION GENESIS, and several short stories.
Equally obsessed by the nineteenth century and the 41st millennium, he lives with his wife and assorted cats in the untamed wilderness of Edinburgh, Scotland.
Equally obsessed by the nineteenth century and the 41st millennium, he lives with his wife and assorted cats in the untamed wilderness of Edinburgh, Scotland.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 25, 2023
An interesting read, which offers some new perspectives on the WH40k setting. Could have had a bit more of a "crime" genre focus, though. Nevertheless, recommended for those who like WH40k fiction, and the rest of the Warhammer Crime line of novels and short stories.
Full review here: https://civilianreader.com/2023/06/25...
Full review here: https://civilianreader.com/2023/06/25...
June 24, 2023
When Andreti Sorokin is murdered, the vast gang of which he was the undisputed king – the Har Dhrol – begins to fall apart, bringing chaos to the Spoil. As the shockwaves caused by Sorokin’s death race through the city, information broker Melita Voronova is tasked by the Valtteri cartel (for whom she begrudgingly works) with uncovering the culprit behind Sorokin’s murder. Meanwhile Haska Jovanic, a wannabe ganger on the fringes of the Har Dhrol, finds herself swept up in the upswell of anger forming on the streets of the Spoil, which can only lead to violence and pain.
Unusually for a crime novel this isn’t about preventing something terrible from happening, or even really about bringing a criminal to justice. Instead, it’s about a criminal power struggle in which nobody can really win, and a fascinating exploration of the shady politics and economics underpinning a particularly poor, under-privileged and over-exploited sector of Varangantua. And while it does contain a detective character he doesn’t get a lot of page time, with the focus mainly split between Melita and Haska’s contrasting viewpoints on the disaster befalling the Spoil. Interestingly though, the ‘A Melita Voronova novel’ subtitle on the cover is slightly misleading, as while readers might be familiar with Melita from previous short stories (Service and Chains) it’s arguably Haska who provides the emotional heart of this story.
Through both the locations and the backdrop of (criminal) socio-political change, Beer brilliantly channels a sense of old-school 40k, reminiscent also of early Black Library novels from which none of the characters emerge unscathed, with not even a sliver of happy ending.
Read the full review at https://www.trackofwords.com/2023/06/...
Unusually for a crime novel this isn’t about preventing something terrible from happening, or even really about bringing a criminal to justice. Instead, it’s about a criminal power struggle in which nobody can really win, and a fascinating exploration of the shady politics and economics underpinning a particularly poor, under-privileged and over-exploited sector of Varangantua. And while it does contain a detective character he doesn’t get a lot of page time, with the focus mainly split between Melita and Haska’s contrasting viewpoints on the disaster befalling the Spoil. Interestingly though, the ‘A Melita Voronova novel’ subtitle on the cover is slightly misleading, as while readers might be familiar with Melita from previous short stories (Service and Chains) it’s arguably Haska who provides the emotional heart of this story.
Through both the locations and the backdrop of (criminal) socio-political change, Beer brilliantly channels a sense of old-school 40k, reminiscent also of early Black Library novels from which none of the characters emerge unscathed, with not even a sliver of happy ending.
Read the full review at https://www.trackofwords.com/2023/06/...
February 15, 2024
Another wonderful crime novel with a splash of grimdarkness that I just adore.
November 7, 2023
200 pages could have been left out, and the story wouldn't have changed. Of The Warhammer crime novels, this one is the longest and worst one.
September 4, 2023
Rating of 4.75.
Get ready for another awesome round of Warhammer Crime goodness as Jonathan D. Beer presents an epic and captivating novel thick with action, intrigue and cool characters in The King of the Spoil.
In the vast continent-spanning city of Varangantua, there is no section of the city more desperate or devastated than the broken chunk of land known as the Spoil. A formerly prominent industrial area, time has turned the Spoil in a useless wasteland abandoned by the rest of the city. With the remaining populace of the Spoil forced to remain within its bounds, there are very few choices for survival and little chance for escape. But even in this fallen area, someone must rise to the top, and only one man can be king.
For over a generation, the Spoil was ruled by Andreti Sorokin, the self-proclaimed King of the Spoil. His rule brought stability to the once lawless section of the city, while his unpopular alliance with the Valtteri business cartel ensured that money once again flowed through the Spoil. However, no king can rule forever, and when Sorokin is brutally murdered by a mysterious assassin, it doesn’t take long until someone tries to replace him.
As the Spoil devolves into a deadly gang war, with rival factions fighting for control of whatever they can get, the Valtteri turn to their most effective agent to find them an edge. Melita Voronova is an info-broker and hacker of unsurpassed skill who has been forced to work for the Valterri. However, after failing to predict Sorokin’s assassination, her only hope to survive her employer’s wrath is to travel to the Spoil and determine who killed Sorokin. However, many people within the Spoil had a motive for killing the king, and Melita is about to discover that Sorokin’s death is only the first step in an elaborate plot that could change the very foundation of the Spoil. Can Melita find the truth before it’s too late, or will this massive conspiracy destroy her and everything she cares about?
This was a pretty awesome book from Beer, who really showcases his fantastic writing ability in his debut novel. Featuring an excellent and intense story, loaded with intrigue, action and complex characters, The King of the Spoil is an excellent addition to the Warhammer Crime series, and I had so much fun getting through it.
To see the full review, click on the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2023/09/04/...
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
Get ready for another awesome round of Warhammer Crime goodness as Jonathan D. Beer presents an epic and captivating novel thick with action, intrigue and cool characters in The King of the Spoil.
In the vast continent-spanning city of Varangantua, there is no section of the city more desperate or devastated than the broken chunk of land known as the Spoil. A formerly prominent industrial area, time has turned the Spoil in a useless wasteland abandoned by the rest of the city. With the remaining populace of the Spoil forced to remain within its bounds, there are very few choices for survival and little chance for escape. But even in this fallen area, someone must rise to the top, and only one man can be king.
For over a generation, the Spoil was ruled by Andreti Sorokin, the self-proclaimed King of the Spoil. His rule brought stability to the once lawless section of the city, while his unpopular alliance with the Valtteri business cartel ensured that money once again flowed through the Spoil. However, no king can rule forever, and when Sorokin is brutally murdered by a mysterious assassin, it doesn’t take long until someone tries to replace him.
As the Spoil devolves into a deadly gang war, with rival factions fighting for control of whatever they can get, the Valtteri turn to their most effective agent to find them an edge. Melita Voronova is an info-broker and hacker of unsurpassed skill who has been forced to work for the Valterri. However, after failing to predict Sorokin’s assassination, her only hope to survive her employer’s wrath is to travel to the Spoil and determine who killed Sorokin. However, many people within the Spoil had a motive for killing the king, and Melita is about to discover that Sorokin’s death is only the first step in an elaborate plot that could change the very foundation of the Spoil. Can Melita find the truth before it’s too late, or will this massive conspiracy destroy her and everything she cares about?
This was a pretty awesome book from Beer, who really showcases his fantastic writing ability in his debut novel. Featuring an excellent and intense story, loaded with intrigue, action and complex characters, The King of the Spoil is an excellent addition to the Warhammer Crime series, and I had so much fun getting through it.
To see the full review, click on the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2023/09/04/...
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
July 14, 2024
2.5/5
*The King of the Spoil* begins with a promising setup, weaving a tight Warhammer crime narrative with a well-crafted plot that engages the reader from the start. The story immerses you into the grimdark world of Warhammer, offering intriguing characters and a compelling mystery that seems set to deliver a satisfying read. The initial chapters establish a strong foundation, showcasing the author's ability to blend action, suspense, and the distinctive Warhammer atmosphere.
However, with about 10% of the book remaining, the narrative takes an unfortunate turn. What initially felt like a tightly paced story suddenly begins to drag, making the last stretch of the book feel twice as long. The introduction of unnecessary romantic subplots and new motivations for characters disrupts the flow, creating a sense of redundancy as the book rehashes its second act over and over.
This late shift in focus not only dilutes the tension built up earlier but also leaves the reader disoriented and less invested in the outcome. The pacing issues and sudden change in direction make it difficult to maintain interest, ultimately detracting from the overall experience.
It's a shame because the setting and initial plot hold a lot of potential. With more time and effort dedicated to refining the story, *The King of the Spoil* could have been a standout entry in the Warhammer fiction series. Unfortunately, it falls short, feeling rushed and underdeveloped in its final act.
Having previously enjoyed the short story *Chains* by the same author, which was tightly written and thoroughly engaging, it's disappointing that *The King of the Spoil* doesn't live up to the same standard. While it's not the worst Warhammer book, it certainly doesn't meet the expectations set by the author's previous short story.
In summary, *The King of the Spoil* starts strong but loses its way in the final chapters. For fans of Warhammer vrimle looking for a read, it might still offer some enjoyment, but be prepared for a less satisfying conclusion.
February 20, 2024
My first Warhammer Crime novel and really welcome surprise. A tense tale of characters trying to somehow survive an ever escalating crisis, and where they have to make hard choices about not only how the deal with the unfolding chaos, but contend with what sort of life they want to lead in the face of such radical upheaval. The pacing is neatly done; the stakes ratcheting ever upwards as the cast are forced to wing it, events always seeming to rush ahead of them. The characters themselves are also well done; flawed, vulnerable, making mistakes yet trying their best to make something of the situation.
One aspect I really appreciated was how it follows life at the bottom of the Imperial rung, the misery, the squalor, the price to be paid for those who seek to challenge such an existence. There is, by its very nature, something utterly, profoundly heartbreaking at the core of the Imperium and the book's finest moments touch upon it with such great tenderness and fury. I generally don't expect to cry at these things, but the tears certainly came as one particular arc reached its end. The idea of Grimdark only really works when there is a hint of light to contrast it, to give weight to the inevitable tragedy, and The King of the Spoil most certainly understands this.
There are quibbles; the overarching plot is pretty well worn territory, and the writing gets a touch clunky at points, but all in all it was a really worthwhile experience. A pleasingly, almost distressingly emotive slice of life away from the usual Emperor-bothering bolter fire.
One aspect I really appreciated was how it follows life at the bottom of the Imperial rung, the misery, the squalor, the price to be paid for those who seek to challenge such an existence. There is, by its very nature, something utterly, profoundly heartbreaking at the core of the Imperium and the book's finest moments touch upon it with such great tenderness and fury. I generally don't expect to cry at these things, but the tears certainly came as one particular arc reached its end. The idea of Grimdark only really works when there is a hint of light to contrast it, to give weight to the inevitable tragedy, and The King of the Spoil most certainly understands this.
There are quibbles; the overarching plot is pretty well worn territory, and the writing gets a touch clunky at points, but all in all it was a really worthwhile experience. A pleasingly, almost distressingly emotive slice of life away from the usual Emperor-bothering bolter fire.
May 29, 2025
I will give it 4 stars, but I should 3 because of that unnecessary and out-of-place scene with the lesbian kiss. Warhammer’s world doesn’t need romantic subplots like this—especially not when it disrupts the tone. This universe is about relentless war, chaos, and death, not love stories. Soldiers are dying while bullets rain down, limbs are torn apart, and devastation surrounds them. Those kinds of scenes completely break immersion and feel forced. A hard skip from me.
That aside, the author did a brilliant job delving into the psychological depth of the characters. I really appreciated how their internal struggles were portrayed against the backdrop of a ruined world, where life was worth less than the raw materials they fought over. There were moments where I genuinely felt the moral dilemmas they faced, and the richness of the author’s descriptive language pulled me deeper into the bleak, grimdark atmosphere. You could feel the desperation, the hopelessness, and the thin slivers of humanity clinging on amid the carnage.
In the end, the book has its merits—especially in its character-driven narrative—but it loses a star because of some unnecessary choices that detracted from the otherwise gritty, brutal authenticity of Warhammer’s lore.
That aside, the author did a brilliant job delving into the psychological depth of the characters. I really appreciated how their internal struggles were portrayed against the backdrop of a ruined world, where life was worth less than the raw materials they fought over. There were moments where I genuinely felt the moral dilemmas they faced, and the richness of the author’s descriptive language pulled me deeper into the bleak, grimdark atmosphere. You could feel the desperation, the hopelessness, and the thin slivers of humanity clinging on amid the carnage.
In the end, the book has its merits—especially in its character-driven narrative—but it loses a star because of some unnecessary choices that detracted from the otherwise gritty, brutal authenticity of Warhammer’s lore.
July 12, 2024
It's okay...
It's a fine detective novel, but outside of the main duo it's hard to be fully invested in the characters and the story is not wrapped up nicely (even if there will be a second book). They show the arbitrators very well and it's great to see Warhammer from the slums. But from the Warhammer crime novels I've read this one is at the bottom, still enjoyable. Just not very good.
I did very much like the admech character. A great way to show a tech priest who is evicted from the church.
It's a fine detective novel, but outside of the main duo it's hard to be fully invested in the characters and the story is not wrapped up nicely (even if there will be a second book). They show the arbitrators very well and it's great to see Warhammer from the slums. But from the Warhammer crime novels I've read this one is at the bottom, still enjoyable. Just not very good.
I did very much like the admech character. A great way to show a tech priest who is evicted from the church.
July 12, 2023
Another Warhammer crime book, another pretty good book. The characters are interesting, as is the setting. I just wish there was more here, its fairly formulaic. The ending is very substantially not an ending, dissatisfying especially with so many Warhammer crime books seemingly being one offs.
March 21, 2025
nice change of pace
Much different novel from the rest of the crime series. Much more the story of a revolution from different perspectives and a lot of mystery left unanswered. Still, entertaining and a great set up to further exploration.
Much different novel from the rest of the crime series. Much more the story of a revolution from different perspectives and a lot of mystery left unanswered. Still, entertaining and a great set up to further exploration.
November 17, 2025
Power vacuum domino effect after the assassination of a notable crime leader. What a ride. I don't even know if I remember by the end who supposedly killed him after everything that happened holy shit. Crazy
December 15, 2023
Takes a good 100 pages to get going but after that it's very good.
December 30, 2023
Not a terrible book, but it's bloated with things that could easily have been omitted, and the ending barely resolves anything.
January 3, 2024
More interested in setting up a sequel than finishing properly.
March 28, 2024
A fun book, a great insight into the lives of many citizens of the Imperium.
December 23, 2024
Excellent new style Warhammer 40k novel set in an Imperial hive city. Good fun to read and kinda like most of the Necromunda/Eisenhorn type stories.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews